Question

Briefly explain why acid and base can facilitate hydrolysis

Answer 1

In hydrolysis, a larger molecule is broken into simple sustance by addition of water molecules.

When this process is carried out in the presence a little amount of a non-oxidising acid like HCl or dilute H2SO4 , it is called acid hydrolysis. Here the acid acts as a catalyst by providing H+ ions to facilitate the intake of H2O molecules.

Similarly when addition of water take place in presence of base is called base hydrolysis. Here OH- ion act as catalyst to facilitate the intake of water molecule.